30 March 2008

City Creek CenterSix buildings from the new two block mixed-use development in Salt Lake City have been registered with the US Green Building Council. The project is being developed by City Creek Reserve, Inc., an affiliate of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Buildings 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 have all been individually registered under the ‘New Construction’ rating system. Each building will eventually receive its own LEED rating.

Additionally, the 20-acre City Creek Center has been registered under the new ‘Neighborhood Development’ pilot program. Being a part of the Pilot program for neighborhoods will allow the project to be a case study in developing urban neighborhoods around the country. Administered by a joint venture of the Congress for New Urbanism, the US Green Building Council, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, LEED-ND is a powerful environmental strategy, encouraging sustainability at the scale of neighborhoods and communities.

"The most powerful strategy for achieving environmental sustainability is incorporating high-performance buildings in compact, mixed-use neighborhoods that reduce driving by making walking and transit attractive options for commuting and other trips." (source)

Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council said the expanded focus on green communities is important. "The future of green building is to think beyond just buildings, by addressing important issues like density development, community infrastructure, resource availability, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. LEED for Neighborhood Development is an important and exciting step towards transforming the marketplace to create a healthy and sustainable future." (source)